Scientists used to think that the placenta just passively passed nutrients from mother to baby. But after studying the habits of mice, they discovered it can actively nourish the fetus, too, according to Scientific American.

In tests, when mice weren't fed for 24 hours in the middle of their pregnancies, they started to see the placenta sacrificing itself by breaking down and recycling proteins in its cells. This allowed the fetus to continue taking in nutrients even though the mother wasn't eating.

Soooo... the placenta is amazing! Let's turn it into a teddy bear, or (sorry, this next part's old news) a pizza. And ladies, if you're pregnant, remember to eat up!